Manchester United won their first major honour since Jose Mourinho took over as manager last summer with a dramatic and pulsating EFL Cup Final victory over Southampton.
The 3-2 win could easily have gone the other way with Saints putting up quite a fight in their quest to end their 30+ year trophy drought.
In the end United’s class shone through and one man in particular raised his game to ensure victory; Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish striker was immense throughout the 90 minutes, from his stunning free-kick opener right through to his late header that provided victory.
It was a wonderful day for Man United fans and they can now look forward to a period of new success under the guidance of Jose Mourinho.
These are the FIVE photos that summed up all the action…
Who else but Zlatan?
After an evening opening period to the game that didn’t see too much action, Zlatan Ibrahimovic brought the final alive with a sumptuous free-kick from 25 yards out. Fraser Forster didn’t get near it and may be disappointed not to get a hand onto it, but to be fair to the English ‘keeper it was always curling away from him.
It was a truly glorious strike and had the scores remained 1-0 it would have been a goal worthy of winning any cup final.
Lingard loves Wembley
After scoring the winning goal at Wembley in last season’s FA Cup Final, Jesse Lingard was at it again on Sunday, finishing smartly past Fraser Forster to make it 2-0.
This came against the run of play with Southampton competing well and looking like they could get a goal of their own at the other end.
When this went in most people thought it was all but over, but they weren’t counting on the contribution of Southampton’s new star signing…
Gallant Gabbiadini
Manolo Gabbiadini’s double either side of the half-time whistle was a storming contribution and one which threatened to take the game to extra-time. He’s made himself an instant hero with the Southampton support, now having scored five goals in his first three matches.
If Saints had gone onto win the game he’d be regarded as a club legend even though he’s been at the club for less than a month.
Southampton played very well throughout the 90 minutes and probably deserved to get something from the game or at least take it to extra-time but only Gabbiadini showed the lethal touch in front of goal.
Incredible Ibrahimovic
With just minutes remaining Zlatan Ibrahimovic sparked a counter attack that turned into a classy passing move of sustained pressure. Eventually the Swedish striker ghosted his way into the the middle of the box to give Ander Herrera the option to cross. A beautiful ball was curled in and Ibrahimovic bang it home with his head before wheeling away with the above smile on his face.
He’s become a Manchester United icon in his short time at the club and with more silverware up for grabs could well make himself a legend in just one season.
Success begins
After a slow start under Jose Mourinho, Manchester United are now looking like a club that can reach the heights of English football once again. Winning his first trophy as Man United boss at the first time of asking is no mean feat and when you take into account their fantastic league unbeaten run and their other cup runs then things are certainly looking up as a United fan.
Can Mourinho usher in a new era of sustained success at a club?
